[Fr. Frank]

I agree, Martin.

I wrote a letter to Mark Schwabero, who's the President of the Outboard Business Unit. I got an email overnight last night telling me they're "reviewing the decision process" in my case, and that they'll "be in touch with AAA Outboard in Crystal River, (my) designated Mercury Marine Authorized Repair Facility". Yes, they really capitalized all those words in their email. No, they're not going to be "in touch" with me, just my friends at AAA Outboard.

My next step would be to write a letter to Fred Kiekhafer, with whom I worked for a few months 20+ years ago when I was propping boats for Wellcraft (mostly Scarab and Excaliber). Even though Fred's technically just involved in the Racing Division, he's still got a lot of pull around Mercury Marine at the corporate level.

I haven't filed a lawsuit in 16 years, since I sued Walmart and made them put restraining straps on the child seats of all their shopping carts. (In fact, that's the only lawsuit I've ever filed). I hate litigation.

Besides, if I cost them just the sale of a single large or midsize outboard motor, they've already lost more than I could get in a lawsuit here in Florida. And I imagine I could deter more than a few from buying Mercury motors over a short span.

Don't get me wrong, when my 90 Opti is running well, I love the quiteness and efficiency of that motor. It's the customer service with which I'm unhappy. (Although 5 warranty motor failures in less than 5 years and under 150 hours is a bit much).